List of thalamic nuclei

List of Thalamic Nuclei

The Thalamus is a large mass of gray matter located in the dorsal part of the diencephalon, and is made up of a number of different nuclei. These nuclei serve as the relay stations for most of the information that goes to the cerebral cortex. The following is a list of the thalamic nuclei:

Anterior Nuclei

The anterior nuclei of thalamus are a collection of nuclei at the front end of the thalamus. They are involved in the modulation of alertness and are responsible for the regulation of learning and memory.

• Anteroventral nucleus
• Anteromedial nucleus
• Anterodorsal nucleus

Medial Nuclei

The medial nuclei are large and have strong reciprocal connections with the frontal cortex. They are involved in the control of motor functions.

• Dorsomedial nucleus
• Mediodorsal nucleus

Lateral Nuclei

The lateral nuclei are divided into dorsal and ventral tiers. They are involved in the integration of sensory information.

• Lateral dorsal nucleus
• Lateral posterior nucleus
• Pulvinar

Ventral Nuclei

The ventral nuclei are a group of nuclei that relay sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

• Ventral anterior nucleus
• Ventral lateral nucleus
• Ventral posterior nucleus

Intralaminar Nuclei

The intralaminar nuclei are involved in pain processing and arousal.

• Centromedian nucleus
• Parafascicular nucleus

Midline Nuclei

The midline nuclei are a group of small nuclei located in the midline of the thalamus.

• Paratenial nucleus
• Reuniens nucleus

Reticular Nucleus

The reticular nucleus is a thin layer of neurons that surrounds the thalamus. It is involved in the regulation of attention and sleep.

File:Thalamus - nuclei.png

Diagram showing the location of the thalamic nuclei

See Also

• Thalamus
• Brain
• Neuroanatomy